Cleansing applicator for liquids



March 28, 1961 w. TURNER cLEANsING APPLICATOR FOR LIQUIDS Original Filed May 10, 1952 INVENTOR.

Wes leg Turn er' lllllllnLlll CLEANSIN G APPLCATOR FOR LIQUIDS Wesley Turner, Portland, Oreg., assignor to Rid-Ring Chemical Company, Los Angeles, Calif., a corporation of California Continuation of abandoned application Ser. No. 287,157, May 10, 1952. r1`his application Aug. 24, 1955, Ser. No. 530,236

16 Claims. (Cl. 15-569) The present invention relates to cleansing applicato-rs for liquids and particularly pertains to applicators of the class comprising a reservoir for liquid cleaning material and means for ejecting the same onto a scrubbing head, where it may be applied to a surface to be cleaned.

This application is a continuation of application Serial No. 287,157, filed May l0, 1952 by the applicant herein for Cleansing Applicator for Liquids, now abandoned.

The presently described applicator may be used generally for the application of liquid waxes and other uses wherein means must be present for storing a liquid and for ejecting it from the storage reservoir onto a cleaning head. lt is particularly applicable, however, to the dispensing and application of liquid cleaning material for cleaning toilet bowls, urinals, and like toilet fixtures. In such fixtures there are areas which, because of the mode of operation of the fixture, necessarily are shielded from view and not readily accessible to cleaning by the ordinary methods. Such areas include, for example, the areas under the rims of toilet bowls, behind the lips of wall-type urinals, in drains and traps for such fixtures, and similar places.

As a result, urine-lime salts, lime deposits, iron rust stains, and organic sludges are deposited and accumulate over a period of time. These deposits comprise the hidden source of odors commonly associated with such fixtures. If present in sufficient amount they eventually may cause trap or drain stoppage. They also are fertile breeding grounds for bacteria and constitute a health menace.

. It therefore is the general object of this invention to provide an applicator which may be used for storage of the liquid cleaners employed in cleaning toilet fixtures and the like; for dispensing them through a scrubbing head; and for applying them to the ordinarily inaccessible areas of the fixtures.

- It is another object of this invention to provide a cleansing applicato-r which will clean toilet fixtures efiiciently, destroying the hidden source of odors and the deposits which serve as breeding grounds for bacteria. lt is a further object of this invention to provide an applicator which is sanitary and easy to use even though applied to areas which otherwise are diflicult of access.

Still another object of the present invention is the provision of a cleansing applicator which contemporaneously serves as a reservoir for substantial quantities of the cleaning fluid, during both transportation and storage.

lt is a further object of this invention to provide a cleansing applicator which not only dispenses liquids to be employed in a cleaning process, but also effectively ffl Patent t @ce seals them in a containing reservoir when the applicator is not in use or when it is being transported.

It is another object of this invention to provide a cleansing appliance having a scrubbing head of substantial area to which liquid cleaning agents may be applied continuously and uniformly.

It is another object of this invention to provide a cleansing applicator which is adaptable for use with caustic and acid liquid cleaning agents.

Still a further object of this invention is the provision of a cleansing applicator which although eiciently applicable in difficult situations, nevertheless is of simple construction and attractive design.

The manner in which the foregoing and other objects of this invention are accomplished will be apparent from the accompanying specification and claims considered together with the drawings wherein like numerals of reference indicate like parts and wherein:

Fig. l is a perspective view of the presently described applicator;

Fig. 2 is a view in elevation of the presently described applicator partly in section, better to show the interior construction;

Fig. 3 is a transverse sectional view of the dispensing head of the presently described applicator taken along the lines 3 3 of Figs. 2 and 4;

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the dispensing head of Figs. 1-3;

Fig. 5 is a sectional View taken along the lines 5-5 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a sectional View taken along the lines 6-6 of Fig. 2; and

Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken along the lines 77 of Fig. 3.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, the cleansing applicator of this invention comprises a reservoir 10 adapted to contain a quantity of liquid. The reservoir preferably is shaped to fit the hand and fabricated of a resiliently deformable plastic material. It may be filled from the bottom after which a cap piece l 12 is aflixed and sealed in place.

Attached to the reservoir and communicating therewith is an elongated hollow neck 14 which preferably is arcuate in contour to assist in the application of the device in inaccessible places. The neck, like the reservoir, preferably is made of plastic although it may be made from a stronger, thicker material. As appears particularly'in Figs. 2 and 6, the neck is provided with a plurality of longitudinal ribs 16 which serve to strengthen and reinforce it so that the scrubbing head may be vigorously applied to the articles to be cleaned. It also may be pro-vided at its outer terminal portion with a segment 1S of reduced cross-section on which there is an annular flange 20.

The bore of neck 14 preferably is tapered at its outer end to form an orifice 22 which opens out onV the transscrubbing headv where it is uniformly distributed over a scrubbing surface by means of which it may be applied to the object to be cleaned. The scrubbing head, indicated generally at 30, comprises a hollow, elongated body 32 which like the other members of the assembly preferably is made of plastic. On the outer end faces of body 32 are a pair of anges 34, 36. On its outer surface is a longitudinal channel 38 extending from one end of the head to the other and communicating with a plurality of peripheral channels 40 extending substantially at right angles thereto.

As will be appa-rent from the drawings, and particularly from Figs. 3 and 4 thereof, the body 32 is preferably of greater length than width and of egg-shape as shown in the widthwise cross-section of Fig. 3. The preferred head shape which has been illustrated enhances the utility of the cleansing applicator of the invention and is particularly valuable in enabling the applicator to reach in cracks, crevices and other normally inaccessible places.

Although a diversity of means may be employed for atlxing head 30 to neck 14, preferred means comprise a sleeve 42 extending transversely of the scrubbing head and penetrating the same approximately to its mid point. Sleeve 42 extends outwardly from the scrubbing head and is provided with an annular recess 44 positioned for snap engagement with ange on neck 14. Thus when the neck is inserted into sleeve 42 the projecting portions of the same spread to permit introduction of flange 2t) into recess 44, thereby releasably locking the two parts together.

Valve means also are provided within the head for controlling the ow of liquid from orifice 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the means used for this purpose comprise a chamber 46 aligned and communicating with the chamber formed by sleeve 42. Within chamber 46 is positioned a valve member 48 which preferably comprises a piece of porous resilient material such as sponge rubber. Valve member 48 is dimensioned to span chamber 46 in an axial direction but to leave a passageway for liquid about its sidewalls. On the surface adjacent surface 24 of neck 14, member 48 has a lamina or skin 49 of impervious material. 'Ihus when it is seated on surface 24 across orice 22 it closes the orifice. Because of its resilient character, however, it will permit fthe ow of liquid out of the orifice if the liquid is under pressure.

Conduit means yare provided for permitting the passage of liquid forced under pressure through orifice 22, past valve member 48 and into chamber 46. In the illustrated embodiment the conduit means comprises the passageway 50 communicating on opposite sides with chamber 46 and at i-ts top central portion with the conduit 52. The latter conduit, in turn, opens out into channel 38 communicating with the peripheral channels 40. In this way an ellicient means is provided for spreading liquid uniformly over the surface of the scrubhing head.

Means also are provided for transmitting liquid thus distributed to the article to be cleaned and for rubbing it thereon. As is particularly apparent from Figures 1 and 4, such means comprise a jacket made of a porous material, such as sponge or sponge rubber. Jacket 54 is dimensioned to tit snugly about body 32 of the head being held in place by widthwise extending anges 34 and 36, Being a porous material, it transmits to the exterior liquid owing through channels 38 and 40. As a result, the liquid penetrates the jacket uniformly over the entire exterior surface so that the appliance is ready for immediate and efficient use.

The manner of use of the herein described cleansing applicator is apparent from the above description. Liquids are sealed at the time of manufacture in reservoir 10. They are maintained sealed during transportation and storage because valve member 48 remains seated snugly across orice 22 of neck 14. However, when it is desired to use the applicator, slight pressure on the resiliently deformable reservoir 10 causes the expulsion of liquid through neck 14, through orice 22 and around the edges of the slightly compressed sponge rubber plug 48. Upon release of the pressure, however, the liquid displaced from the reservoir is replaced by air entering via grooves 26.

The liquid then passes into chamber 46 and thence into conduits 50 and 52. Thereafter it flows through the channel system comprising longitudinal channel 38 and peripheral channels 40. Since the ilow of liquid along this system is relatively easy as compared with its expression through the porous scrubbing jacket 54, such expression does not occur until the channel system has been completely filled. When it does occur it takes place uniformly across the entire surface of the jacket with the result that it is applied uniformly to the object to be cleaned.

Hence, it is apparent that by the present invention I have provided an applicator for liquids which is useful in a diversity of applications, particularly in the cleaning of the inaccessible areas lof toilet fixtures. Its use, furthermore, results in the rapid and effective elimination from such fixtures of the deposits of urine-lime salts, organic sludges, iron deposits and the like, which are unsanitary and the cause of malodor and clogging of the drain.

It is to be understood that the form of my invention, herewith shown and described, is to he taken as a preferred example of the same, and that various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts may be resorted to, without departing from the spirit of my invention, or the scope of the subjoined claims.

Having thus described my invention. I claim:

l. An applicator for liquids comprising a reservoir having walls of resiliently deformable material, a curved neck attached to the reservoir and having therethrough a longitudinal conduit communicating with the reservoir, the conduit terminating at its outer extremity in an orifice opening out on the outer transverse surface of the neck, the said surface being provided with a plurality of radial grooves communicating with the orice, a liquid-dispensing head, a sleeve transversely penetrating the dispensing head and adapted slidably to receive the outer end of the neck, means for releasably securing the sleeve to the neck, a chamber within the head communicating with the sleeve and stationed for communication with the orifice when the neck is placed in the sleeve, within the chamber valve means comprising a piece of porous resilient material having an impervious surface layer adapted to seat on the outer transverse surface of the neck covering and substantially sealing the orifice, the resilient piece being dimensioned to span the chamber in an axial direction but to leave a passageway for liquid along the sidewalls of the chamber, conduit means axially aligned with the sleeve and extending through the head to the opposite side thereof and communicating with the passageway about the resilient valve member, the conduit means opening out into a longitudinally disposed channel extending the length of the head and communicating with a plurality of spaced apart peripheral channels, a pair of flanges one on each end of the head, and a scrubbing jacket made of porous resilient material overlying the head, enclosing the head and being retained thereon by the ilanges.

2. An applicator of claim l wherein the valve means comprises a piece of sponge rubber and the scrubbing jacket comprises a jacket of sponge rubber.

3. An applicator for liquids comprising a reservoir having walls of resiliently deformable material, a neck attached to the reservoir and having a longitudinal conduit therethrough in communication with the reservoir, said conduit terminating at its outer extremity in an orice at the end of said neck remote from said reservoir, a liquid-dispensing head, said head being of greater length than width and having a widthwise cross-section of egg shape, the pointed end of said egg shape constituting the forward extremity of said head, the end of said neck remote from said reservoir being releasably secured to the rear of said head in a direction transverse to the length of said head, a conduit in saidhead in communication with the orifice in said neck, a longitudinal channel extending across the forward extremity of said head, said channel communicating with said conduit and terminating short of the ends of said head, a plurality of peripheral channels in saidhead extending transverse to said longitudinal channel and communicating therewith, a tubular sponge jacket surrounding said head and `the forward extremity of said neck, said head being provided with widthwise extending end flanges and said jacket being longer than lthe length of said head and extending beyond said end flanges on both ends of said head with said end flanges tensioning said jacket.

4. An applicator for liquids comprising a reservoir having walls of resiliently deformable material, a neck attached to the reservoir and having a longitudinal conduit therethrough in communication with the reservoir, said conduit terminating at its outer extremity in an orifice at the end of said neck remote from said reservoir, an elongated liquid-dispensing head, means for releasably securing the outer end of said neck to the head in a direction transverse to the length of said head, aconduit in said head connecting the outer surface of the head with the orifice in said neck, a longitudinal channel extending lengthwise of said head, on the side of the latter opposite the neck connection, said channel communicating with said conduit and terminating short of the longitudinal ends of said head, a plurality of peripheral channels in said head extending transverse to said longitudinal channel and communicating therewith, and a tubular sponge jacket surrounding said head and the forward extremity of said neck, said head being provided with widthwise extending end flanges and said jacket being longer than the length of said head -and extending beyond said end llanges on both ends of said head, with said end flanges tensioning said jacket.

5. An applicator for liquids comprising a reservoir having walls of resiliently deformable material, a neck attached to the reservoir and having a longitudinal conduit therethrough in communication with the reservoir, said conduit terminating at its outer extremity in an orifice at the end of said neck remote from said reservoir, elongated liquid-dispensing head, the end of said neck remote from said reservoir being releasably secured to the head in a direction transverse to the length of said head, conduit means in said head connecting the outer surface of the head with the orifice in said neck, and a tubular sponge jacket surrounding said head and overlying said conduit means, said head being provided with widthwise extending end flanges and projecting from thc surface of the head, said jacket being longer than the length of said head and extending beyond said end flanges on both ends of said head with said end flanges tensioning said jacket.

6. An applicator for liquids comprising a reservoir, a neck attached to the reservoir and having a longitudinal conduit therethrough in communication with the reservoir, an elongated liquid-dispensing head, means for mounting the head transversely of the neck, conduit means in the head connecting the outer surface of the head with the conduit in the neck, a pair of widthwise extending flanges projecting from the surface of the head and stationed one at each longitudinal end of the head, and a tubular sponge jacket mounted on the head, the pores of the sponge communicating with the conduit means in the head, the jacket being longer than the length of the head and extending beyond the side flanges on bo-th sides of the head with the flanges tensioning the jacket.

7. An applicator for liquids comprising a reservoir having walls of resiliently deformable material, a neck attached to the reservoir and having a longitudinal conduit therethrough in communication with the reservoir, an elongated head mounted centrally of its ends and transversely of the neck on the outer end of the latter, conduit means in the head connecting the outer surface of the head with the conduit through the neck, and a tubular sponge jacket surrounding the head and having a transverse opening therein at the longitudinal center thereof for receiving the forward extremity of the neck, the pores of the sponge communicating with the conduit means in the head, the jacket being longer than the length of the head and extending beyond the same on both sides.

8. An applicator for liquids comprising a reservoir, a neck attached to the reservoir and having a longitudinal conduit therethrough in communication with the reservoir, an elongated head mounted centrally of its ends and transversely of the neck on the outer end of the latter, conduit means in the head connecting the outer surface of the head with the conduit through the neck, and a tubular sponge jacket surrounding the head and having a transverse opening therein at the longitudinal Center thereof for receiving the forward extremity of the neck, the pores of the sponge communicating with the conduit means in the head.

9. An applicator for liquids comprising a reservoir, a neck attached to the reservoir and having a longitudinal conduit therethrough in communication with the reservoir, an elongated head mounted between its ends and transversely of the neck on the outer end of the latter, conduit means in the head connecting the outer surface of the head with the conduit through the neck, and a tubular sponge jacket surrounding the head and having a transverse opening therein for receiving the forward extremity of the neck, the pores of the sponge communicating with the conduit means in the head.

10. An applicator for liquids comprising an elongated head, a liquid supply conduit extending transversely of said head, conduit means in the head connecting the outer surface of said head with the liquid supply conduit, and a tubular sponge jacket surrounding said head and having a transverse opening therein for receiving the supply conduit, the pores of the sponge communicating with the conduit mean-s in the head.

11. An applicator as in claim 10, wherein the jacket is removable.

l2. An applicator as in claim 10, wherein the jacket is longer than the length of said head and extends beyond the same on both sides.

13. An applicator as in claim 10, wherein the liquid supply conduit is at the longitudinal center of the head.

14. An applicator as in claim 10, wherein said head is provided with widthwise extending end ilanges projecting from the surface of the head and said jacket is longer than the length of said head and extends beyond said end flanges on both ends of said head with said end flanges tensioning said jacket.

l5. An applicator for liquids comprising an elongated head, a liquid supply conduit extending transversely of said head, conduit means in the head connecting the outer surface of said head with the liquid supply conduit, and a porous jacket surrounding said head and having a transverse opening therein for receiving the supply conduit, the pores of the jacket communicating with the conduit means in the head, said head including a longitudinal channel extending lengthwise of said head on the side of the latter opposite the entry for the liquid supply conduit, said channel communicating with said conduit means and terminating short of the longitudinal ends of said head, and a plurality of peripheral channels on said head extending transverse to said longitudinal channel and communicating therewith.

16. An applicator for liquids comprising an elongated head portion and a neck portion, said head portion being mounted between its ends and transversely of said neck, a longitudinal conduit in the neck in communication with the head, conduit means in the head connecting the outer 7 surface of the head with the conduit through the neck, and a tubular sponge jacket surrounding the head and having a transverse opening therein for receiving the neck, the pores of the sponge communicating with the conduit means in the head. 5

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,083,011 Falkenstein Dec. 3o, 1913 w Fisher Jan. 21, 1919 Raub Aug. 9, 1949 Liebelt et al. Aug. 7, 1951 Osrow Jan. 4, A1955 FOREIGN PATENTS Great Britain May 27, '1936 

